Obedience and Rally "O" (Rally in the U.S.) Titles, Canine Good Neighbour/Citizen and Temperament Evaluations
Obedience Titles
There are slight differences in the Open and Utility exercises at obedience trials in Canada and the U.S. If you are interested in competitive obedience, one of the first things you should do is get a rule book for the country in which you'll be competing. There are more classes that clubs can offer—both official and unofficial—than those listed below. The listed classes are used to gain the most common titles.
The judge carries a mental picture of a theoretically perfect performance in each exercise and scores the performance against this visualized standard of perfection. This picture combines the utmost in willingness, enjoyment and precision in the dog, and naturalness, gentleness and smoothness in the handler. Lack of willingness or enjoyment on the part of the dog, or roughness, military precision or pre-emptory commands by the handler are penalized. There must be teamwork between dog and handler. The penalties are scored at no less than a half-point and always in multiples of a half-point. Before each exercise the judge asks if the exhibitor is ready, then gives the signal to begin the exercise. The judge follows the handler (at a discreet distance) through each exercise. At the end of each exercise the judge states that the exercise is finished. Moderate praise and petting is allowed between exercises. No food or toys are allowed in the ring during competition. The leash must be approximately six feet long and made of fabric or leather. The collar must be a well-fitting buckle or slip collar. Slip collars can be made of a single length of leather, fabric or chain with two rings, one on each end. Nothing is permitted to hang on the collar. You must earn three qualifying 'legs" (passes), under at least two different judges, in order to obtain a title. Each leg is judged against a maximum point system of 200. To receive a qualifying score, you must score more than 50% of the available points in each of the exercises and have a total of 170 points.
Companion Dog (CD) - The title CD follows the dog's registered name.
Classes:
Novice A is for all purebred dogs that have not previously earned a CD. The handler must be the owner or a member of their immediate family. No licensed handler, trainer or anyone who has completed a UD title may compete in this class.
Novice B is for all purebred dogs that have not previously earned a CD. Any person can handle the dog.
Exercises:
Heel on leash exercises include a forward, halt, right and left turn, about turn, slow, normal, fast and figure eight.
Stand for examination is to stand your dog, give a stay command, move to the end of your six foot lead, turn and face your dog. The judge then touches the dog on the head, body and hind quarters. The exhibitor is then asked to return to the dog and told that the exercise is finished. The dog must not move, growl or snap at any time. This exercise is performed off-leash in the U.S.
Heel free exercises are the same as the heel on leash, except that the dog is off leash.
Recall exercises start by sitting the dog by your left side. Command the dog to wait. Leave the dog when asked by the judge and walk approximately 40 feet from the dog - or, where is indicated by the judge. Turn and face the dog. When given the signal by the judge you call the dog. The dog must come to you at a brisk pace and sit close enough in front of you so that you could easily reach out and touch the dog. You are then asked to finish the dog. The dog is then commanded to return to the handler into a heel position.
Group sits and down are performed in groups of not more than ten dogs. All the dogs enter the ring on leash and must line up in catalogue order. When asked by the judge the dogs are given a sit command and a stay command. The handler then leaves the dog and walks to the opposite side of the ring, turns and faces the dog. The dog must stay in a sit position for one minute. The handlers are then asked to return to the dog by approaching and going around the dog into a heel position. The judge will say when the sit exercise is finished. The dogs remain for the down exercise, whether or not they passed the sit exercise. When asked by the judge, the dogs are given a down command and a stay command. The handler then leaves the dog and walks to the opposite side of the ring, turns and faces the dog. The dog must stay in a down position for three minutes. The handlers are then asked to return to the dog by approaching and going around the dog into a heel position. The judge will say when the exercise is finished.
All dogs remain ringside until the scores are tallied and the qualified dogs are called back into the ring to hear their scores announced and to receive their awards.
Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) - The title CDX follows the dog's registered name.
All exercises are performed off leash.
Classes:
Open A is for all purebred dogs that have previously earned a CD. The handler must be the owner or a member of their immediate family. No licensed handler, trainer or anyone who has completed a UD title may compete in this class.
Open B is for all purebred dogs that have previously earned a CD. Any person can handle the dog.
Exercises:
The heel position and heeling is the same in both the Novice and Open classes, except that all Open class exercises are done off leash, including the figure eight.
Drop on recall is to sit your dog, give a stay command and walk approximately 40 feet away from the dog (or where the judge indicates), turn and face the dog. When the judge signals, the handler calls or signals the dog to come. The dog must come at a brisk pace. While the dog is in motion the judge signals and the handler will command or signal the dog to drop to a down position. The judge then signals to call the dog again. The handler signals the dog to come. The dog should come at a brisk pace and sit in front of the handler. The judge will ask for a finish, at which point you command the dog to sit on your right side in a heel position. This completes the exercise.
Retrieve on Flat With your dog sitting in heel position, the judge will ask you to throw the dumbbell. The handler commands the dog to stay and then throws the dumbbell. The judge then asks you to send your dog. The handler commands the dog to get it. The dog must go and pick up the dumbbell, by the bar only, and bring it back to the handler. The dog must come back to a sit position directly in front of the handler. When the judge gives a signal the handler then commands the dog to let go of the dumbbell and takes it from the dogs' mouth. The judge will then ask for a finish. After the handler has given the command or signal the dog must return to a sit in the heel position. This completes the exercise.
Retrieve over High Jump is the same as the retrieve on flat except the dog must jump over a high or bar jump to retrieve the dumbbell. The dog must not touch the jump, go around the jump or be slow. The jump is approximately as high as the dog's shoulders or 36 inches, whichever is less.
Broad Jump is spaced so that the distance to jump over is twice the height of the high jump for that dog. The handler and dog are eight feet from the jump. The dog is sitting in a heel position. When signaled by the judge, the handler commands the dog to stay and leaves the dog to stand in a position facing the right side of the jump. On order from the judge, the handler commands or signals the dog to jump over the broad jump. The dog must jump over the jump and sit in a sit position in front of the handler. While the dog was in mid-air the handler must make a right turn to allow the dog to sit in front. The judge will ask for a finish. The handler gives a command or signal and the dog must return and sit in a heel position.
Group Sits and Downs are the same as in Novice except the handler must leave the ring and go out of sight. The sit is for three minutes; the down is for five minutes.
Utility Dog (UD) -The title UD follows the dog's registered name.
All exercises are performed off leash.
Classes:
Utility is for all purebred dogs that have previously earned a CDX. Any person can handle the dog. Classes differ in the U.S.—see AKC rulebook.
Exercises:
Seek Back. The handler stands with the dog sitting in a heel position. When the judge asks, the handler moves forward. With the dog heeling beside the handler the judge will ask the handler to drop the glove. The handler drops the glove and continues heeling. After the dog and handler have gone at least thirty feet beyond the glove, the judge will ask the handler to turn and halt facing the end of the ring where the glove was dropped. As soon as the judge gives the command the handler will command the dog to go and get the glove. The handler remains in place while the dog seeks the glove, picks it up and returns to a sitting position in front of the handler, while holding the glove. The judge will ask the handler to take it, and the handler will give a command to the dog so that they can take the glove from the dog's mouth. The judge will then ask for a finish, and the handler commands the dog to return to a sit in the heel position.
Scent discrimination consists of two separate exercises where the dog must select, by scent, and retrieve an article, which has been handled by the handler. The articles are provided by the handler and are made of three sets of five identical articles: one set of wood, one metal and one of leather. The articles are presented to the judge who designates one article from two of the sets. These are placed and remain on either the judges' table or a chair until ordered by the judge to take an article. The remaining articles are placed about fifteen feet in front of the handler and dog. After the articles are placed the handler is asked to turn his and the dogs back to the articles. When asked, the handler will choose one of the two designated articles. The handler will then, with their hands, scent the article, which remains in sight. When requested, the handler will place the article on the judge's clipboard and the judge places the article amongst the other articles. The judge then asks the handler to send the dog. The handler commands the dog and executes a right about turn, they can either stop and face the articles with the dog in a heel and then sit position or they can simply command the dog to find the article without the stop. If the sit position is chosen the handler commands the dog to find and bring the particular article that she just touched. The dog must then go to the articles, find the correct article, bring it back to the handler and sit in front of the handler with the article held correctly in their mouth. When asked by the judge, the handler takes the article from the dog's mouth. The handler is then asked to 'finish', where the dog completes the exercise by returning to the handler sitting in a heel position. The exercise is then repeated with the other article.
Moving stand is where the handler does a simple pattern. When instructed by the judge, the handler will signal to the dog to stand-stay. The handler continues about 20 feet and turns to face the dog. The judge then approaches the dog and does an 'examination' where he touches the dog (head, back and loin areas). Upon completion of the exam the judge will then signal the handler to call the dog. The dog must move at a brisk pace to sit in front of the handler.
Signals are where the handler must not speak aloud to the dog. The dog and handler must do a heeling pattern that is the same as in the novice classes. During the pattern the judge will ask for a stand where the handler signals to the dog to stand in heel position. The handler is then asked to leave the dog and proceed to the far end of the ring turn and face the dog. When the judge signals the handler must signal the dog to down, sit, come. The handler is then asked to finish, where the dog completes the exercise by returning to the handler sitting in a heel position.
Directed jumping is where two jumps (the bar jump and high jump) are placed fourteen feet apart with each one on a different side of the ring. With the dog sitting in heel position, the judge asks the handler to send the dog. The handler commands the dog to 'go' to the far side of the ring, turn and sit in-between both jumps. When the dog is sitting, the judge will signal which jump the dog must go over. The handler must signal—but not speak—to the dog which of the two jumps it is to jump over. The dog then jumps over the designated jump and sits directly in front of the handler. While the dog is in mid-air of the jump the handler must turn 45 degrees so that the dog can sit squarely in front of the handler upon completion of the jump. The judge will ask for a finish where the dog returns to a sit in the heel position. This exercise is then repeated so that both jumps are jumped. This completes the exercise.
Obedience Trial Champion (OTCh) - In Canada and the U.S., the title OTCh precedes the dog's registered name.
In Canada, any dog attaining a UD is recognized as an Obedience Trial Champion (OTCh). In the U.S., points are awarded for dogs that have their UD title. These points are awarded—according to the schedule of points—when a dog is entered in the Open B or Utility B class and has placed first or second in the class. The requirements for obtaining an AKC OTCh are:
1) accumulation of 100 points;
2) must have won at least one 1st place in Utility, provided there were at least three dogs competing;
3) must have won at least one 1st place in Open B, provided there were at least six dogs competing;
4) must have won a second 1st place in 2) or 3) above;
5) the 1st place awards must have been given by three different judges.
There are slight differences in the Open and Utility exercises at obedience trials in Canada and the U.S. If you are interested in competitive obedience, one of the first things you should do is get a rule book for the country in which you'll be competing. There are more classes that clubs can offer—both official and unofficial—than those listed below. The listed classes are used to gain the most common titles.
The judge carries a mental picture of a theoretically perfect performance in each exercise and scores the performance against this visualized standard of perfection. This picture combines the utmost in willingness, enjoyment and precision in the dog, and naturalness, gentleness and smoothness in the handler. Lack of willingness or enjoyment on the part of the dog, or roughness, military precision or pre-emptory commands by the handler are penalized. There must be teamwork between dog and handler. The penalties are scored at no less than a half-point and always in multiples of a half-point. Before each exercise the judge asks if the exhibitor is ready, then gives the signal to begin the exercise. The judge follows the handler (at a discreet distance) through each exercise. At the end of each exercise the judge states that the exercise is finished. Moderate praise and petting is allowed between exercises. No food or toys are allowed in the ring during competition. The leash must be approximately six feet long and made of fabric or leather. The collar must be a well-fitting buckle or slip collar. Slip collars can be made of a single length of leather, fabric or chain with two rings, one on each end. Nothing is permitted to hang on the collar. You must earn three qualifying 'legs" (passes), under at least two different judges, in order to obtain a title. Each leg is judged against a maximum point system of 200. To receive a qualifying score, you must score more than 50% of the available points in each of the exercises and have a total of 170 points.
Companion Dog (CD) - The title CD follows the dog's registered name.
Classes:
Novice A is for all purebred dogs that have not previously earned a CD. The handler must be the owner or a member of their immediate family. No licensed handler, trainer or anyone who has completed a UD title may compete in this class.
Novice B is for all purebred dogs that have not previously earned a CD. Any person can handle the dog.
Exercises:
- Heel on leash & Figure eight, 40 available points
- Stand for examination, 30 available points
- Heel free, 40 available points
- Recall, 30 available points
- Long sit, 30 available points
- Long down, 30 available points
Heel on leash exercises include a forward, halt, right and left turn, about turn, slow, normal, fast and figure eight.
Stand for examination is to stand your dog, give a stay command, move to the end of your six foot lead, turn and face your dog. The judge then touches the dog on the head, body and hind quarters. The exhibitor is then asked to return to the dog and told that the exercise is finished. The dog must not move, growl or snap at any time. This exercise is performed off-leash in the U.S.
Heel free exercises are the same as the heel on leash, except that the dog is off leash.
Recall exercises start by sitting the dog by your left side. Command the dog to wait. Leave the dog when asked by the judge and walk approximately 40 feet from the dog - or, where is indicated by the judge. Turn and face the dog. When given the signal by the judge you call the dog. The dog must come to you at a brisk pace and sit close enough in front of you so that you could easily reach out and touch the dog. You are then asked to finish the dog. The dog is then commanded to return to the handler into a heel position.
Group sits and down are performed in groups of not more than ten dogs. All the dogs enter the ring on leash and must line up in catalogue order. When asked by the judge the dogs are given a sit command and a stay command. The handler then leaves the dog and walks to the opposite side of the ring, turns and faces the dog. The dog must stay in a sit position for one minute. The handlers are then asked to return to the dog by approaching and going around the dog into a heel position. The judge will say when the sit exercise is finished. The dogs remain for the down exercise, whether or not they passed the sit exercise. When asked by the judge, the dogs are given a down command and a stay command. The handler then leaves the dog and walks to the opposite side of the ring, turns and faces the dog. The dog must stay in a down position for three minutes. The handlers are then asked to return to the dog by approaching and going around the dog into a heel position. The judge will say when the exercise is finished.
All dogs remain ringside until the scores are tallied and the qualified dogs are called back into the ring to hear their scores announced and to receive their awards.
Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) - The title CDX follows the dog's registered name.
All exercises are performed off leash.
Classes:
Open A is for all purebred dogs that have previously earned a CD. The handler must be the owner or a member of their immediate family. No licensed handler, trainer or anyone who has completed a UD title may compete in this class.
Open B is for all purebred dogs that have previously earned a CD. Any person can handle the dog.
Exercises:
- Heel Free & Figure eight, 40 available points
- Drop on recall, 30 available points
- Retrieve on flat, 25 available points
- Retrieve over High Jump, 35 available points
- Broad Jump, 20 available points
- Long Sit, 25 available points
- Long down, 25 available points
The heel position and heeling is the same in both the Novice and Open classes, except that all Open class exercises are done off leash, including the figure eight.
Drop on recall is to sit your dog, give a stay command and walk approximately 40 feet away from the dog (or where the judge indicates), turn and face the dog. When the judge signals, the handler calls or signals the dog to come. The dog must come at a brisk pace. While the dog is in motion the judge signals and the handler will command or signal the dog to drop to a down position. The judge then signals to call the dog again. The handler signals the dog to come. The dog should come at a brisk pace and sit in front of the handler. The judge will ask for a finish, at which point you command the dog to sit on your right side in a heel position. This completes the exercise.
Retrieve on Flat With your dog sitting in heel position, the judge will ask you to throw the dumbbell. The handler commands the dog to stay and then throws the dumbbell. The judge then asks you to send your dog. The handler commands the dog to get it. The dog must go and pick up the dumbbell, by the bar only, and bring it back to the handler. The dog must come back to a sit position directly in front of the handler. When the judge gives a signal the handler then commands the dog to let go of the dumbbell and takes it from the dogs' mouth. The judge will then ask for a finish. After the handler has given the command or signal the dog must return to a sit in the heel position. This completes the exercise.
Retrieve over High Jump is the same as the retrieve on flat except the dog must jump over a high or bar jump to retrieve the dumbbell. The dog must not touch the jump, go around the jump or be slow. The jump is approximately as high as the dog's shoulders or 36 inches, whichever is less.
Broad Jump is spaced so that the distance to jump over is twice the height of the high jump for that dog. The handler and dog are eight feet from the jump. The dog is sitting in a heel position. When signaled by the judge, the handler commands the dog to stay and leaves the dog to stand in a position facing the right side of the jump. On order from the judge, the handler commands or signals the dog to jump over the broad jump. The dog must jump over the jump and sit in a sit position in front of the handler. While the dog was in mid-air the handler must make a right turn to allow the dog to sit in front. The judge will ask for a finish. The handler gives a command or signal and the dog must return and sit in a heel position.
Group Sits and Downs are the same as in Novice except the handler must leave the ring and go out of sight. The sit is for three minutes; the down is for five minutes.
Utility Dog (UD) -The title UD follows the dog's registered name.
All exercises are performed off leash.
Classes:
Utility is for all purebred dogs that have previously earned a CDX. Any person can handle the dog. Classes differ in the U.S.—see AKC rulebook.
Exercises:
- Seek Back, 30 available points
- Scent Discrimination - Article 1, 30 available points
- Scent Discrimination - Article 2, 30 available points
- Signal Exercise, 40 available points
- Moving Stand, 30 available points
- Directed Jumping, 40 available points
Seek Back. The handler stands with the dog sitting in a heel position. When the judge asks, the handler moves forward. With the dog heeling beside the handler the judge will ask the handler to drop the glove. The handler drops the glove and continues heeling. After the dog and handler have gone at least thirty feet beyond the glove, the judge will ask the handler to turn and halt facing the end of the ring where the glove was dropped. As soon as the judge gives the command the handler will command the dog to go and get the glove. The handler remains in place while the dog seeks the glove, picks it up and returns to a sitting position in front of the handler, while holding the glove. The judge will ask the handler to take it, and the handler will give a command to the dog so that they can take the glove from the dog's mouth. The judge will then ask for a finish, and the handler commands the dog to return to a sit in the heel position.
Scent discrimination consists of two separate exercises where the dog must select, by scent, and retrieve an article, which has been handled by the handler. The articles are provided by the handler and are made of three sets of five identical articles: one set of wood, one metal and one of leather. The articles are presented to the judge who designates one article from two of the sets. These are placed and remain on either the judges' table or a chair until ordered by the judge to take an article. The remaining articles are placed about fifteen feet in front of the handler and dog. After the articles are placed the handler is asked to turn his and the dogs back to the articles. When asked, the handler will choose one of the two designated articles. The handler will then, with their hands, scent the article, which remains in sight. When requested, the handler will place the article on the judge's clipboard and the judge places the article amongst the other articles. The judge then asks the handler to send the dog. The handler commands the dog and executes a right about turn, they can either stop and face the articles with the dog in a heel and then sit position or they can simply command the dog to find the article without the stop. If the sit position is chosen the handler commands the dog to find and bring the particular article that she just touched. The dog must then go to the articles, find the correct article, bring it back to the handler and sit in front of the handler with the article held correctly in their mouth. When asked by the judge, the handler takes the article from the dog's mouth. The handler is then asked to 'finish', where the dog completes the exercise by returning to the handler sitting in a heel position. The exercise is then repeated with the other article.
Moving stand is where the handler does a simple pattern. When instructed by the judge, the handler will signal to the dog to stand-stay. The handler continues about 20 feet and turns to face the dog. The judge then approaches the dog and does an 'examination' where he touches the dog (head, back and loin areas). Upon completion of the exam the judge will then signal the handler to call the dog. The dog must move at a brisk pace to sit in front of the handler.
Signals are where the handler must not speak aloud to the dog. The dog and handler must do a heeling pattern that is the same as in the novice classes. During the pattern the judge will ask for a stand where the handler signals to the dog to stand in heel position. The handler is then asked to leave the dog and proceed to the far end of the ring turn and face the dog. When the judge signals the handler must signal the dog to down, sit, come. The handler is then asked to finish, where the dog completes the exercise by returning to the handler sitting in a heel position.
Directed jumping is where two jumps (the bar jump and high jump) are placed fourteen feet apart with each one on a different side of the ring. With the dog sitting in heel position, the judge asks the handler to send the dog. The handler commands the dog to 'go' to the far side of the ring, turn and sit in-between both jumps. When the dog is sitting, the judge will signal which jump the dog must go over. The handler must signal—but not speak—to the dog which of the two jumps it is to jump over. The dog then jumps over the designated jump and sits directly in front of the handler. While the dog is in mid-air of the jump the handler must turn 45 degrees so that the dog can sit squarely in front of the handler upon completion of the jump. The judge will ask for a finish where the dog returns to a sit in the heel position. This exercise is then repeated so that both jumps are jumped. This completes the exercise.
Obedience Trial Champion (OTCh) - In Canada and the U.S., the title OTCh precedes the dog's registered name.
In Canada, any dog attaining a UD is recognized as an Obedience Trial Champion (OTCh). In the U.S., points are awarded for dogs that have their UD title. These points are awarded—according to the schedule of points—when a dog is entered in the Open B or Utility B class and has placed first or second in the class. The requirements for obtaining an AKC OTCh are:
1) accumulation of 100 points;
2) must have won at least one 1st place in Utility, provided there were at least three dogs competing;
3) must have won at least one 1st place in Open B, provided there were at least six dogs competing;
4) must have won a second 1st place in 2) or 3) above;
5) the 1st place awards must have been given by three different judges.
Rally "O" (Rally in the U.S.)
This is a relatively new sport in both Canada and the US. It has gained a lot of popularity with many dog fanciers and is considered a first-step to either Obedience or Agility. Older dogs can enjoy this sport as it's not too strenuous and is a lot of fun for both handlers and dogs. There are slight differences in all of the classes at Rally Trials in Canada and the US.. If you are interested in competitive Rally, one of the first things you should do is get a rule book for the country in which you'll be competing.
The chief objective of rally is to provide a fast-paced, motivational activity for both dog and handler that demonstrates their competency in basic obedience exercises without requiring exact precision for success. Handlers can use praise, encouragement, and petting throughout the rally course.
While rally is not judged with the same precision as formal obedience, rally judges must make decisions based on a mental picture of the theoretically perfect performance
Each course has been designed in advance by the judge. The judge tells the handler to begin, and the dog and handler proceed at their own pace through a course of designated stations (10 - 20, depending on the level). Each of these stations has a sign providing instructions regarding the skill that is to be performed.
Scoring – Each team begins with 100 points. A qualifying performance is a score of 70 points or better, and all stations must be attempted by the handler.
The performance is timed.
Honour Exercise
Prior to the Excellent class, the judge will designate either the sit or the down for the Honour exercise, as well as the placement within the ring. The judge directs the Honour handler to take the designated position. When the judge commands the next handler to begin the course with the order “Forward,” the Honour handler will command and/or signal his dog to “Stay”, move forward to the end of a 6 foot leash, then turn and face his dog.
The Honour steward will indicate the completion of the scoring of the Honour exercise when the running dog and handler have crossed the finish station by giving the order “Exercise Finished.” The Honour handler will then return to and release his dog from the stay. The Honour dog must maintain the designated position throughout the entire performance of the running dog and without receiving any physical assistance from the Honour handler.
The chief objective of rally is to provide a fast-paced, motivational activity for both dog and handler that demonstrates their competency in basic obedience exercises without requiring exact precision for success. Handlers can use praise, encouragement, and petting throughout the rally course.
While rally is not judged with the same precision as formal obedience, rally judges must make decisions based on a mental picture of the theoretically perfect performance
Each course has been designed in advance by the judge. The judge tells the handler to begin, and the dog and handler proceed at their own pace through a course of designated stations (10 - 20, depending on the level). Each of these stations has a sign providing instructions regarding the skill that is to be performed.
- The Novice Class is performed on leash, using 10 to15 exercises (not including Start and Finish).
- The Advanced class is performed off leash. It consists of 12-17 exercises (not including Start and Finish), and requires one jump.
- The Excellent class is performed off leash (except for the Honour), It consists of 15-20 exercises (not including Start and Finish), and requires two jumps (not consecutive).
Scoring – Each team begins with 100 points. A qualifying performance is a score of 70 points or better, and all stations must be attempted by the handler.
The performance is timed.
Honour Exercise
Prior to the Excellent class, the judge will designate either the sit or the down for the Honour exercise, as well as the placement within the ring. The judge directs the Honour handler to take the designated position. When the judge commands the next handler to begin the course with the order “Forward,” the Honour handler will command and/or signal his dog to “Stay”, move forward to the end of a 6 foot leash, then turn and face his dog.
The Honour steward will indicate the completion of the scoring of the Honour exercise when the running dog and handler have crossed the finish station by giving the order “Exercise Finished.” The Honour handler will then return to and release his dog from the stay. The Honour dog must maintain the designated position throughout the entire performance of the running dog and without receiving any physical assistance from the Honour handler.
Canine Good Neighbour (Canada) and Canine Good Citizen (U.S.) titles
The purpose of the Canine Good Neighbour/Citizen Test is to ensure that the dog can be a respected member of the community because it is trained and conditioned to act mannerly at home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs.
Demonstrating confidence and control, the dog must complete these 10 steps in the US and 12 steps in Canada:
Test 1 - Accepting a friendly stranger
Demonstrating the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach in a natural everyday situation
The evaluator and handler shake hands and pleasantries with the dog at the handler’s side. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator
Test 2 - Sitting politely for petting
Demonstrating that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it.
With the dog sitting at the handler's side, the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body, then circles the dog and handler completing the test. The dog must not show shyness or resentment
Test 3 - Appearance and grooming
Demonstrating that the dog will welcome and allow grooming and examining by a stranger such as a groomer or veterinarian.
The evaluator inspects the dog, then combs or brushes the dog and examines the ears and front feet.
Test 4 - Out for a walk (on a loose leash)
Demonstrating that the handler has control of the dog
The handler, with the dog at their side, must make a left turn, right turn and an about turn, with at least one stop in between and another at the end.
Test 5 - Walking through a crowd
Demonstrates the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places
The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people. The dog may show some interest, without appearing over exuberant shy or resentful.
Test 6 - Sit and down command/staying in place
Demonstrated the dog has training, will respond to the handler's command and will remain in place when commanded.
The handler tells the dog to stay. Then the handler will walk forward the length of a 20-foot line. The dog must stay in place
In Canada - the dog is attached to a long line for this exercise
In Canada there is an additional exercise: Come when called:
Come when called - on a long line
Long line remains attached to the dogs collar. Stand near the dog and instruct the handler to position the dog (sit, down or stand). Handler will then command the dog to "stay or wait" and walk 8 to 10 feet away, turn and call the dog.
Test 7 - Praise/Interaction
Demonstrates the dog can be easily calmed following play or praise and can leave the area in a mannerly fashion.
The handler plays with the dog using a toy or a favorite trick for 10 seconds of play and then must calm the dog for the next exercise.
Test 8 - Reaction to another dog
Demonstrates the dog can behave politely around other dogs.
Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 10 yards, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries and continue for about 5 yards. The dogs should show no more than casual interest
Test 9 - Reactions to distractions
Demonstrates the dog has confidence when faced with distractions, such as a loud noise or a jogger running in front of the dog.
The dog may express interest and curiosity and may appear slightly startled but should not panic, try to break away, show aggressiveness or bark.
Test 10 - Supervised isolation
Demonstrated the dog can be left alone if necessary and will maintain its training and good manners.
The dog is attached to a six-foot line for three minutes while the handler leaves the area. The dog should not continually bark, whine, howl, pace or show anything other than mild agitation or nervousness.
In Canada there is an additional exercise: Walking through a door/gate
Handler commands the dog to sit and wait. Then the handler will walk through an opening (door/gate). Once through the handler will instruct the dog to walk through the gate to the handler's side. Alternately if there is enough room for the dog to remain at the handlers side while going through the gate they may do this together with the dog at the handlers side.
A dog must pass each of these exercises to earn the title CGC or CGN
Demonstrating confidence and control, the dog must complete these 10 steps in the US and 12 steps in Canada:
Test 1 - Accepting a friendly stranger
Demonstrating the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach in a natural everyday situation
The evaluator and handler shake hands and pleasantries with the dog at the handler’s side. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator
Test 2 - Sitting politely for petting
Demonstrating that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it.
With the dog sitting at the handler's side, the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body, then circles the dog and handler completing the test. The dog must not show shyness or resentment
Test 3 - Appearance and grooming
Demonstrating that the dog will welcome and allow grooming and examining by a stranger such as a groomer or veterinarian.
The evaluator inspects the dog, then combs or brushes the dog and examines the ears and front feet.
Test 4 - Out for a walk (on a loose leash)
Demonstrating that the handler has control of the dog
The handler, with the dog at their side, must make a left turn, right turn and an about turn, with at least one stop in between and another at the end.
Test 5 - Walking through a crowd
Demonstrates the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places
The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people. The dog may show some interest, without appearing over exuberant shy or resentful.
Test 6 - Sit and down command/staying in place
Demonstrated the dog has training, will respond to the handler's command and will remain in place when commanded.
The handler tells the dog to stay. Then the handler will walk forward the length of a 20-foot line. The dog must stay in place
In Canada - the dog is attached to a long line for this exercise
In Canada there is an additional exercise: Come when called:
Come when called - on a long line
Long line remains attached to the dogs collar. Stand near the dog and instruct the handler to position the dog (sit, down or stand). Handler will then command the dog to "stay or wait" and walk 8 to 10 feet away, turn and call the dog.
Test 7 - Praise/Interaction
Demonstrates the dog can be easily calmed following play or praise and can leave the area in a mannerly fashion.
The handler plays with the dog using a toy or a favorite trick for 10 seconds of play and then must calm the dog for the next exercise.
Test 8 - Reaction to another dog
Demonstrates the dog can behave politely around other dogs.
Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 10 yards, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries and continue for about 5 yards. The dogs should show no more than casual interest
Test 9 - Reactions to distractions
Demonstrates the dog has confidence when faced with distractions, such as a loud noise or a jogger running in front of the dog.
The dog may express interest and curiosity and may appear slightly startled but should not panic, try to break away, show aggressiveness or bark.
Test 10 - Supervised isolation
Demonstrated the dog can be left alone if necessary and will maintain its training and good manners.
The dog is attached to a six-foot line for three minutes while the handler leaves the area. The dog should not continually bark, whine, howl, pace or show anything other than mild agitation or nervousness.
In Canada there is an additional exercise: Walking through a door/gate
Handler commands the dog to sit and wait. Then the handler will walk through an opening (door/gate). Once through the handler will instruct the dog to walk through the gate to the handler's side. Alternately if there is enough room for the dog to remain at the handlers side while going through the gate they may do this together with the dog at the handlers side.
A dog must pass each of these exercises to earn the title CGC or CGN
Temperament Tests and Working Aptitude Tests (WAE - this is just open to Dobermans)
The purpose of a temperament test is to evaluate the mental stability of the dog.The Doberman Pinscher Club of America has developed a Working Aptitude Evaluation (WAE) that is just for Dobermans. It is similar to a temperament test.
1) Neutral Stranger (similar to the friendly stranger in CGC with the person ignoring the dog).
2) Friendly stranger (similar to the friendly stranger in CGC except the stranger is over exuberant). (In a regular temperament test the person pats the dog for 10 seconds).
This is only performed in a regular temperament test - not the WAE.
3) Crowd Test (similar to walking through a crowd in CGC - there will be approximately 8 people coming from different directions creating a circle around the dog).
4) Hidden Noise – The dog and handler approach a well-hidden assistant who begins to rattle a metal can (In a regular temperament test it's a bucket filled with marbles). The dog should investigate but not be afraid.
5) Gun Test – While dog and handler walk past an assistant 15 feet away, the assistant fires three shots into the air. In a WAE the dog can startle but must not want to run away. In a regular temperament test the dog can investigate the sound of the noise and the handler may follow – up to ten feet away from the assistant.
6) Umbrella Test – The dog and handler proceed toward an assistant who is sitting relaxed and motionless in a chair. The assistant is holding a large umbrella that is closed. When the dog is five feet away from the umbrella the assistant will suddenly release the umbrella so that it opens in a 90-degree angle to the path of the dog. Then the umbrella is lowered to the ground. The dog should investigate the umbrella and not be afraid. (In the WAE the dog must investigate the umbrella while it is open).
7) Footing Test – the dog and handler walk over a fifteen-foot by four foot length of chain/metal fencing laid flat on the ground. In the WAE they must also walk on a plastic surface. Dog and handler must walk together - with no obedience commands given to the dog.
8) Self-protectiveness – The purpose of this part of the test is to see the dogs’ capacity to focus on an unusual stimulus, recognize a threat and to react in the face of a threat.
As the dog and handler comes to within thirty feet of a well-hidden unfriendly stranger, the unfriendly stranger emerges from his hiding place making unusual sounds and motions. The unfriendly stranger crosses the path of the dog and handler. The dog is expected to recognize this as a stimulus.
The unfriendly stranger turns toward the dog and handler raising a riding crop or stick, continuing to make unusual noises and motions - advancing to a much closer distance from dog and handler. The dog is expected to recognize this as a threat.
In a regular temperament test the unfriendly stranger then pounds his riding crop/stick six times on the ground and advances to within ten feet of the team. He waits five seconds, then turns and flees.
The dog is expected to react with the handler in full control.
In a WAE the unfriendly stranger then moves off. The dog must recover after his reaction.
All dogs must be on a six-foot lead. Several assistants help with the different exercises, two assistants aid one judge who gives the final evaluation to a pass or fail.
1) Neutral Stranger (similar to the friendly stranger in CGC with the person ignoring the dog).
2) Friendly stranger (similar to the friendly stranger in CGC except the stranger is over exuberant). (In a regular temperament test the person pats the dog for 10 seconds).
This is only performed in a regular temperament test - not the WAE.
3) Crowd Test (similar to walking through a crowd in CGC - there will be approximately 8 people coming from different directions creating a circle around the dog).
4) Hidden Noise – The dog and handler approach a well-hidden assistant who begins to rattle a metal can (In a regular temperament test it's a bucket filled with marbles). The dog should investigate but not be afraid.
5) Gun Test – While dog and handler walk past an assistant 15 feet away, the assistant fires three shots into the air. In a WAE the dog can startle but must not want to run away. In a regular temperament test the dog can investigate the sound of the noise and the handler may follow – up to ten feet away from the assistant.
6) Umbrella Test – The dog and handler proceed toward an assistant who is sitting relaxed and motionless in a chair. The assistant is holding a large umbrella that is closed. When the dog is five feet away from the umbrella the assistant will suddenly release the umbrella so that it opens in a 90-degree angle to the path of the dog. Then the umbrella is lowered to the ground. The dog should investigate the umbrella and not be afraid. (In the WAE the dog must investigate the umbrella while it is open).
7) Footing Test – the dog and handler walk over a fifteen-foot by four foot length of chain/metal fencing laid flat on the ground. In the WAE they must also walk on a plastic surface. Dog and handler must walk together - with no obedience commands given to the dog.
8) Self-protectiveness – The purpose of this part of the test is to see the dogs’ capacity to focus on an unusual stimulus, recognize a threat and to react in the face of a threat.
As the dog and handler comes to within thirty feet of a well-hidden unfriendly stranger, the unfriendly stranger emerges from his hiding place making unusual sounds and motions. The unfriendly stranger crosses the path of the dog and handler. The dog is expected to recognize this as a stimulus.
The unfriendly stranger turns toward the dog and handler raising a riding crop or stick, continuing to make unusual noises and motions - advancing to a much closer distance from dog and handler. The dog is expected to recognize this as a threat.
In a regular temperament test the unfriendly stranger then pounds his riding crop/stick six times on the ground and advances to within ten feet of the team. He waits five seconds, then turns and flees.
The dog is expected to react with the handler in full control.
In a WAE the unfriendly stranger then moves off. The dog must recover after his reaction.
All dogs must be on a six-foot lead. Several assistants help with the different exercises, two assistants aid one judge who gives the final evaluation to a pass or fail.